Despite Warner struggling for runs, he has been selected for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the first two games of the Ashes series. However, his position in the team remains uncertain, with his form being scrutinized since the tour of India earlier this year and the 2019 Ashes campaign on English soil.
While Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane has emphasized the need for Warner to return to form and score runs, Candice believes that all players in the team need to perform well, not just Warner.
She has also pointed out that no one is waiting in line to take his place, which would make it difficult for the selectors to bring in someone better.
“Absolutely, he does. But so does the whole team. If Dave doesn’t perform in that first Test, who do they bring in that’s better?” quizzed Candice.
Warner’s poor form in England has added to the concerns about his selection, with an average of only 26 in Tests in England and no century to his name.
Despite scoring a double-hundred against South Africa in last year’s Boxing Day Test, his position in the team remains in doubt.
Candice clarified that Warner isn’t struggling psychologically, but he might be a bit anxious about facing Stuart Broad, who dismissed him seven out of ten times during the Ashes in 2019.
“His form wasn’t great that last Ashes. Stuart Broad had his number I think ten times. So it didn’t look good for him. And he hasn’t performed well over there in the past. But who do you put in?” added Candice.
She also acknowledged that going to a country where David hasn’t performed well before could create anxiety.
“Mentally, he is fine. You never have to worry about where he’s at mentally. I think going to a country where you haven’t performed before there’s always going to be anxiety, and just thinking about Broad. I’m sure England won’t make the same mistake as they made out here, leaving Broad out of the first Test. I think that was a huge mistake.”
The WTC final is set to begin on June 7, with the Ashes starting on June 16. Warner’s performance in the first Test will be crucial in determining his future in the Australian team.
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